Location: Port Arthur
Top Things to do in Port Arthur
Top Restaurants in Port Arthur
The 10 Best Things to Do in Port Arthur, United States
Port Arthur is a city in Jefferson County within the Beaumont−Port Arthur Metropolitan Statistical Area of the U.S. state of Texas. A small portion extends into Orange County. It is 91 mi (146 km) east of Houston. It is host to the largest oil refinery in the United States (the 600,000 bpd Saudi Aramco - Motiva refinery).
Restaurants in Port Arthur
1. Museum of the Gulf Coast
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
The Museum of the Gulf Coast celebrates the biology, history, and unique culture of the southeastern Gulf Coast, covering the region between Houston and New Orleans. There are two floors of exhibits including features on biodiversity, archaeology and paleontology. The first floor focuses on the pre-history and history of the region and the early petroleum industry. The Gulf Coast Hall of Fame includes politicians, filmmakers, and several successful Hollywood actors including Evelyn Keyes (Gone with the Wind) and G.W. Bailey (Police Academy). Animator Kelly Asbury (Beauty and the Beast, Shrek, Spirit), Karen Silkwood, and Major Tom Collins (one of the first pilots to break the sound barrier) have exhibits in this space along with accomplished individuals from many different fields (science, education, politics). There is also a rotating gallery which hosts a new exhibit every four months. The second floor showcases our decorative arts and maritime collections. We also pay tribute to artists, musicians, and athletes who have roots in this area including (but not limited to) Robert Rauschenberg, Janis Joplin, Edgar and Johnny Winter, Jimmy Johnson, and Babe Zaharias. The Museum offers customized tours and a wide variety of educational programming for pre-school children through adults.
Reviewed By Daniel A
We saw the museum on TA. Read the reviews and decided to take it in. We were greeted by the man at the front desk who was very friendly. Even though I am sure he has given the spiel hundreds of times he took time with a thorough overview.
As we went through the various exhibits it was apparent that this was a cut above most small town museums. Everything was well thought out and skillfully displayed. There is something for almost everyone in this facility.
The director came by and spoke with me. I could tell he takes great pride in the place, as he and all the contributors should.
PS. If your an old hippie like me the Janice Joplin exhibit makes it all worthwhile.
2. Snooper's Paradise Antiques
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By s_Zade - Collinsville, Texas
This is a huge place filled with lovely antiques. If that's your thing, you will love it. Nicely decorated & employees are very sweet & helpful.
3. Dutch Windmill Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By DebiJPeck - Groves, Texas
This precious little town is called Nederland. A quaint town full of shops on Nederland Ave, and some on Boston Ave. Come visit us, wander through town, eat at Sartins for the best Barbeque Crab you've ever had in your life! The Windmill is full of history, beautifully told and well maintained. It tells the story of our beginning.
4. Sabine Pass Battleground State Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By wmjcameron - Orange, Texas
The site is very well-maintained. In addition to what others have mentioned, you can see the Sabine Pass Lighthouse from promenade. The lighthouse is currently inaccessible by any other means. Parking area in the park is kind of cramped. There is a level walk way through the park "exhibits." We spent an hour, and that definitely wasn't enough time to do this park justice. Also, unlike many other Texas state parks, there is no admission fee charged.
5. Tex Ritter Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
Uniques museum containing mementos of country singer, Tex Ritter, and a windmill museum.
Reviewed By JamPack1965 - Nederland, Texas
The small park behind the windmill is a must-see when you visit Nederland!! It has gazebos and very interested information on Tex Ritter whom was originally from Nederland before he made it big in music and film.
6. Sea Rim State Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 109 reviews
A combination of a five-mile beach and wetlands for sighting wildlife and birds.
Reviewed By YenkoOshima - Jasper, Texas
The first time I came here was in February. The temperature wasn't too chilly for a walk on the beach, nobody in the attendant booth at the entrance, we paid our fee inside headquarters, there were tons of shells on the beach, and some locals took a 4 wheel drive past the "vehicle's beyond this point will get stuck" sign to go fishing.
Well, I came back once in July and once in August. I haven't ever seen the place very crowded, but there are always people here. It seems to be the closest beach around the Port Arthur area. Next closest is in Louisiana and there are no gas stations or restrooms for many miles out there.
This is a good place to go swimming. A fair amount of seaweed in July, but not too much in August. You may occasionally find a sand crab with your toes. No rocks or sticks. If the tide is extremely low, the bottom will be very silty. Go at high tide if you want your toes in the sand. Bring an umbrella or canopy for a late August afternoon because it's HOT out there! Sand gets hot too so have sandals/flip flops for the dry sandy areas. It's a short drive to a restroom/outdoor shower station (but pretty far to walk). I stop at the restroom before setting up on the beach. You can drive and park on one section of beach, or walk across the boardwalk to where vehicles are not allowed. There is another outdoor shower station on the boardwalk.
2 attendants were in the entrance booth. They were able to handle selling us an annual pass, could take a credit card, and passed fishing info to us that previous park attendees had passed to them.
Just beyond the "vehicles will get stuck" sign, were some washed up jellyfish and it was pretty well eroded. I'd definitely recommend not driving or walking that far. There's plenty of beach to enjoy nearer the park. However, this time of the year the shells are pretty well picked over. Beyond the sign are some larger/nicer shells, though nothing like the ones I found in February.
Kayaking on the bay side is better in the morning. At noon, we had to turn back because of afternoon lightning storms.
Hope this helps in your summertime fun planning!
7. French House ( La Maison Acadienne)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Solodam J - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This wooden house looks very old. The location of the house is at the Tex Ritter Park, next to the Dutch windmill. We didn't go inside as it was closed because of the election day. We took some pictures and walked in the park.
8. Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By 12257mars - Port Arthur, Texas
Even though I live here and pass often, I had never stopped and walked up. But when my sister and brother-in-law visited they wanted a close up look. Walking up you feel the reverence of the grounds. The workmanship on the statue and surrounding structures is stunning. You will leave with a different feeling.
9. The Veterans Memorial Park & Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Tim D - Texas
We buzzed in for a tour on Sunday after a very hard rain. Lots of water standing but we hung in to look at the cool hardware. Loved the pavilion set up. Did a Munzee and set out two more and headed out. If you are anywhere near, do yourself a favor and stop for a while.
10. Capri Club
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